This chapter tells of King Hezekiah, Ahaz’s son. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, reversing the harm his father had done. He restores and cleanses the temple, bringing back the practices of of sacrifice and worship to God.
“And [Hezekiah] stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres… with the instruments of David… And when the burnt offering began, the song to the Lord began also, and the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. The whole assembly worshiped… And Hezekiah the king and the officials commanded the Levites to sing praises to the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed down and worshiped.” (v25-30 abr)
It is a glorious day in Judah as King Hezekiah restores God-honoring practices. The priests and Levites consecrate themselves and the temple, perform burnt (sin) offerings for all of the people, and the people offer their own sacrifices as well. This is a massive party, with thousands of sacrifices and multiple acts of worship.
Not only do people celebrate when repenting and turning/returning to God (eg. Hab 3:18, Isa 25:9, Psa 35:9), but God and the heavenly realm also celebrate. Jesus said: ” ‘Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance… Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ ” (Lk 15:7, 10)
I wish I could have a sneak peak at these heavenly parties when God, Jesus and the angels celebrate the rescue of a lost sheep. That must be a sight to behold. If we imagine the the greatest celebration we have witnessed (perhaps there were fireworks), then multiply that by one thousand, we may have an idea of the joy heaven shows over one rescued sheep.
I encourage us to continue following God-honoring practices including repentance and worship. Not only should we do these things privately, we should also do them ‘publicly’ (at least in front of friends and family). Having these celebrations publicly (as Judah always did) would encourage others to participate in praising and worshiping God – some of these other people might not worship or honor God if left to do so on their own. Let’s be a light to this world and share the joy of our salvation.
Father God, our Glorious and Splendid Lord, we praise Your holy and magnificent name. We lift our voices as a joyful sound, and celebrate the salvation You have generously and lovingly provided. May our joy be apparent to those around us, and also be infectious, that they too would long to experience the joy of redemption. All honor, praise, glory and thanksgiving be unto You, the God of our salvation, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training